Corporate Social Responsibility and Tourism

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in tourism can be defined as a guiding business policy whereby tourism companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their own business mission, strategies and operations as well as in their interaction with their stakeholders. As corporations are part of a broader society satisfying stakeholders’ needs is central to retaining societal legitimacy and financial liability over the long term. There are different frameworks and guidelines available for integrating CSR into a company’s strategy depending on the companies’ specific characteristics and their perception of their social responsibilities. CSR today is seen as a multi-stakeholder approach where stakeholders are not only receivers but also partners for realizing and implementing CSR strategies. In tourism companies’ strategies the concept of CSR has become a central part. Environmental protection, fair working conditions for employees and contributing to the welfare of local communities are key issues in the strategies of international tourism corporations.